Alan Titchmarsh

It's said that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery and Alan Titchmarsh certainly seems to go along with that. The BBC spoof W1A has a diva-like character, based on telly's green-fingered great, who refuses to take part in a show because of the low star-rating of the co-host, reports the Daily Telegraph. Alan was unaware of the character, but didn't seem to be at all put out by it. "It was very funny," he said. "How could anyone pull out of a programme called Britain's Tastiest Village? You've got to do it, haven't you? I'm waiting for the call." Could this be an insight into how the Beeb comes up with programme ideas? Keep an eye on the TV listings, folks.

The Guardian, 4th April 2014

If you were disappointed that we didn't get to see more of Jessica Hynes's character [Siobhan Sharpe in last week's opening episode, tonight's blisteringly farcical instalment more than makes up for it.

The BBC's new Head Of Values, Ian Fletcher (Hugh Bonneville), and Tracey "I'm-not-being-funny-or-anything," Pritchard (Monica Dolan), are on the train to Salford where Ian is going to be interviewed by Jenni Murray on Woman's Hour about the BBC's alleged "institutional anti-West-Country bias".

It's a golden opportunity for him to change the subject by announcing that Carol Vorderman will be joining Alan Titchmarsh to co-present a new series called Britain's Tastiest Village.

Until, that is, Siobhan starts tweeting incessantly on Ian's behalf.

Meanwhile, Clare Balding is on her way to New Broadcasting House because she thinks that SHE is presenting Britain's Tastiest Village.

A perfect storm of a PR disaster is brewing and Siobhan Sharpe is the lunatic steering the boat straight into the middle of it.

Jane Simon, The Mirror, 26th March 2014

Alan Carr to leave Radio 2

Host of Saturday evening show is latest departure to follow Zoe Ball and Alan Titchmarsh out the door.

John Plunkett, The Guardian, 6th March 2012